Table of Contents

Alaska Online Muzzleloader Hunter Education

• Today's Hunter in Alaska Hunting Safety Class
• About the Online Course
• Hunter's Resource Directory
• The Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety

Chapter One: Introducing Muzzleloader Shooting

• Chapter One Learning Objectives
• Educating Hunters of Today and Tomorrow
  • Becoming a Responsible, Involved Hunter
• Funding Sources for Hunter Education
• Promoting Safe Muzzleloader Shooting
• Introducing Muzzleloader Shooting
  • Defining "Muzzleloader"
• Keeping Muzzleloader Shooting Safe
  • Focusing on Safety
  • The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
  • Handling Muzzleloaders
• Development of the Muzzleloader
• Chapter 1 Review Exercise

Chapter Two: Knowing Your Muzzleloading Firearm

• Chapter Two Learning Objectives
• Understanding the Black Powder Load
  • Black Powder
  • Projectiles
  • Patches
• Reviewing the Parts of the Muzzleloader
  • Lock
  • Stock
  • Barrel
  • Caliber
  • Gauge
  • Rifling in the Bore
  • Trigger
  • Sights
  • Safety Mechanism
• Loading the Muzzleloading Firearm
  • Making Sure the Muzzleloader Is Empty
  • Safety While Loading
  • Steps for Loading a Muzzleloader
  • Charging and Firing the Muzzleloader
  • Seating the Projectile
  • Muzzleloader Accessories
  • Disassembling and Cleaning the Muzzleloader
• Chapter 2 Review Exercise

Chapter Three: Shooting Your Muzzleloader Safely and Accurately

• Chapter Three Learning Objectives
• Becoming a Responsible Muzzleloader Hunter
  • Comparing Muzzleloaders to Conventional Firearms
  • Understanding Maximum Point-Blank Range
  • Expanding Hunting Opportunities Using Muzzleloading Firearms
  • Hunting: A Tool for Wildlife Management
  • Selecting a Firearm for Shooting and Hunting
• Learning the Basics of Firing a Muzzleloading Rifle
  • Sight Alignment
  • Identifying Your Master Eye
  • Sighting In Your Muzzleloading Rifle
  • Using Correct Rifle-Firing Techniques
  • Positioning Your Body for Accurate Rifle Shooting
• Learning the Basics of Firing a Muzzleloading Shotgun
  • Using Correct Shotgun-Firing Techniques
  • Patterning Your Shotgun
  • Leading the Target
  • Shotgun Choke and Shot String
• Determining Correct Loads
  • Understanding the Importance of Loads in Accurate Shooting
  • Using Bench-Rest Testing
  • Setting Up for the Test
  • Determining Loads With Bench-Rest Testing
• Improving Marksmanship
• Chapter 3 Review Exercise

Chapter Four: Hunting Responsibly and Ethically

• Chapter Four Learning Objectives
• Hunting Ethically
  • Behaving Responsibly With Landowners
  • Observing the Hunter's Ethical Code
  • Examining Personal Ethics
• Taking Vital Shots
  • Understanding Game Anatomy
  • Choosing the Proper Shot Angle
  • Determining When To Shoot
  • Approaching Downed Game
• Performing Field Care of Game
  • Observing Regulations on Field Care
  • Learning to Field Dress
  • Avoiding Bacterial Growth
  • Boning, Bagging, and Hanging Meat
  • Treating the Meat With Citric Acid
  • Keeping Meat Safe During the Hunt
  • Transporting Game
• Chapter 4 Review Exercise